Climate change is the most widespread & complex problem humanity has ever faced! There is no time to waste and we need to turn green talk into profound green action. This is the intention of the GREEN TIMES.

Save our Seabirds Festival

BirdLife South Africa’s Seabird Division is at the forefront of seabird conservation, nationally and globally. Seabirds are the most threatened group of birds in the world – almost one third of all seabird species are threatened with some extinction risk. We risk losing iconic birds such as the African Penguin and the majestic albatrosses that roam the southern oceans. But we need to step up our efforts to protect seabirds because the current losses for many species are not sustainable.

To raise awareness and funds for seabird conservation, the Seabird Division holds an annual event called the “Save our Seabirds Festival” which aims to educate people about the threats seabirds face and inspire them to help BirdLife South Africa make a difference. The funds raised go into the Save our Seabirds (SOS) Fund, which supports the Seabird Division’s conservation work.

SOS Festival 2012 Theme: Save our Oceans. Save our Seabirds

This year, we aim to create awareness about Marine Protected Areas and how they can help save our oceans

IZIKO MUSEUMS

Marine Conservation Lecture Series

Come and hear how three prominent conservationists are making a difference in the field of marine and seabird conservation. Complimentary light snacks and drinks will be served.

Friday 12 October 18h30 for 19h00
Closing address: Department of Environmental Affairs
Speaker: Hadoram Shirihai, Petrel Discoverer, author of the international best-seller ‘Guide to Antarctic Wildlife’, philanthopist, and obsessive pelagic seabird guru
Topic: Extinct or not? Rediscovering seabird species at sea as the first step towards their conservation.

The lecture will be followed by a prize giving for the photographic competition and the handing over of a vehicle donated by Knysna Toyota.

Activities

Iziko South African Museum is celebrating National Marine Week by showcasing how human-induced activities affect the ocean and marine life and what you can do to help with the “Think blue, what can you do?” pledge. They will also be celebrating African Penguin Awareness Day with talks and live footage of rehabilitated penguins being released by SANCCOB.

Venue: Iziko South African Museum
Date: Monday – Friday, 8-12th October 2012 – National Marine Week Activities and Saturday 13 October 2012 – African Penguin Awareness Day
Time: various events from 09h00 to 17h00
More info: Call (+27)021 481 3812 or email sharmans@iziko.org.za for more details for this and other events at the Museum.

Photographic competition

BirdLife South Africa’s Seabird Division once again will exhibit photographs for the annual SOS Festival Photographic Competition. The theme of the photographic competition is ‘Oceans of Life’, and the exhibition includes stunning photography of a wide array of marine biodiversity, including seabirds, cetaceans, fish, as well as coastal species from around the world.

1st prize in the Main category:
The ORYX Award: A trip for 2 to Antarctica from One Oceans Expeditions VALUED AT US$17 000

And new in 2012 the Youth category, First prize camera gear from Canon valued at US$1 500

The top 50 finalist’s photos from the Oceans of Life photographic competition will be on display at the Iziko South African Museum from 8 October 2012 for 2 months.

Freshlyground is a South African band that formed in Cape Town in 2002. Their music style is mostly Afro-pop with influences from soul, folk, kwassa-kwassa and global dance. The seven-piece band has already released their fourth studio album and were the chosen band to co-perform (with Shakira) the official anthem for 2010 Fifa World Cup. The band has a unique ability to craft music that is global yet remains true to its African roots. Freshlyground are donating all proceeds of this concert to BirdLife South Africa. Be sure not to miss it!

Venue: V&A Waterfront
Date: Saturday 13 October
Time: 18h00
Cost: R170 (incl. VAT).
Bookings can be made here: christina.moseley@birdlife.org.za. Ticket sales open on 1 October. Only a limited number of tickets will be available, on a first-come first-served basis.

Robben Island Birding Tours

Robben Island supports populations of Chukar partridges and only officially listed population of feral peacocks. These special tours will focus on finding these sometimes elusive species. They also provide the opportunity to see other species on the island and other seabirds on the boat trip over.

Venue: Meet at the Nelson Mandela Gateway at 08h30
Date: 13 and 14 October
Time: 09h00 to 12h00
Cost: R230 (includes the boat trip and tour around the island; prison tour not included)
Bookings can be made here: christina.moseley@birdlife.org.za

SIMON’S TOWN

Simon’s Town Penguin Festival

In its 12th year running, the annual Simon’s Town Penguin Festival hosted by SANCCOB, SANParks and Boulders Beach Lodge and Restaurant is a festival of educational fun for young and old – all in the name of the endangered African Penguin. The event kicks off with the African Penguin Awareness Day penguin release at Seaforth Beach (Simon’s Town) and then proceeds to the festivities at the parking areas in front of Boulders Beach Lodge and Restaurant. This year’s festival features a cooking demonstration by a celebrity SASSI chef, a snake and reptile show, a raptor show, live spider exhibit, food stalls and loads of ‘edutainment’ for the kids. Visitors will also have the opportunity to meet and take pictures with SANCCOB’s famous ambassador penguins. All proceeds of the festival are donated to SANCCOB in support of seabird conservation.